How to Take a Large Amount of Cash out of a Bank Account

You can withdraw as much money as you need from your bank account at any time, but there are some regulations in place for amounts over $10,000. For larger withdrawals, you must prove your identity and show that the cash is for a legal purpose. It might take a few days to receive the money if you are withdrawing a very large sum.

A bank teller and customer.

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Bank Secrecy Act

The FDIC initiated the Currency and Foreign Transaction Act in 1970 so U.S. financial institutions could help the government combat money laundering. Also referred to as the Bank Secrecy Act, these regulations require the institutions to report any customer activity that appears suspicious or different from regular behavior. For instance, your bank must make a report to the IRS if you withdraw more than $10,000, especially if you haven't withdrawn such a large amount before.

Making a Withdrawal

Fill out a withdrawal slip at your bank and present it to a teller, as you would for regular transactions. Provide identification, such as your driver's license, state ID card or passport, as well as your Social Security number. Be prepared to answer questions about your withdrawal, such as what you plan to do with it. The teller is required to ask these questions to complete the currency transaction report, which banks must file for cash withdrawals over $10,000. If you refuse to respond or give evasive answers, the teller must file a suspicious activity report. Your bank might not have the sum of money on hand and may ask you to return in up to seven days to collect it.

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Illegal Structuring

Trying to prevent the bank from reporting a withdrawal of $10,000 by withdrawing a slightly smaller amount, like $9,985, is called structuring. It is also considered structuring if you withdraw the sum in smaller amounts over several days, or withdraw it in smaller amounts from different branches. This behavior is a violation of federal law and could cause the government to seize the money indefinitely, or until the situation has been satisfactorily explained.

Staying Safe

Practice safety when carrying a large amount of money. Bigger notes make a smaller pile of cash. For instance, $10,000 can fit into your wallet in $1,000 bills -- if your bank has them -- or into your purse or laptop case in $100 bills. Separate it from the money you need for regular transactions to avoid mistakenly pulling it out in public. Put the wallet out of easy reach for pickpockets, like in your inner coat pocket. If you do carry it in a purse, secure it and hold it close. When you leave the bank, look confident and don't clutch the area where you have placed the money. Because there is safety in numbers, have someone you trust with you.